Vietnam aspires to augment bilateral cooperation with DPRK

Wednesday, 02/13/2019, 22:41

VOV.VN -Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to work with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to advance bilateral cooperation in the areas that match each side’s potential and interests and national and international regulations, for peace and development in the region and the wider world.

Minh made the statement during the talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party and head of its International Department Ri Su Yong, as part of his February 12-14 official visit to the DRPK at the invitation of Ri Yong Ho.

The Vietnamese diplomat asserted Vietnam’s support for dialogues in order to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as its willingness to make positive contributions to the process.

The country is ready to share its experience in national construction, socio-economic development and international integration with the DPRK at its requests, Minh added.

Minister Ri Yong Ho, in turn, voiced his hope for stronger relationship between his nation and Vietnam amid the two nations’ celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2020.

He concurred to exchange measures to foster the bilateral relationship in line with the new situation and thanked Vietnam for its stance and efforts in promoting the dialogue progress for peace, security, cooperation and development on the Korean Peninsula.

The two diplomats briefed each other on the socio-economic development of their respective nation and agreed to continue coordinating at international and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the ASEAN Regional Forum, as well as international conferences and forums among political parties.

They consented to intensify the exchange of viewpoints over issues of shared concern such as the maintenance of regional peace and stability.

At the talks with Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party and head of its International Department Ri Su Yong, Minh conveyed the New Year greetings from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong to DPRK leader Kim Jong Un.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party and head of its International Department Ri Su Yong.

Minh asserted that based on the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization of international relations, being friend and reliable partners and responsible member of the international community, the Party, Government and people of Vietnam wish to maintain and promote the traditional friendship with DPRK counterparts.

The Vietnamese diplomat congratulated the DPRK people on achievements they have recorded during the cause of national construction and development.

He used the occasion to invite Ri Su Yong to visit Vietnam to strengthen the exchange and partnership between the two parties.

In reply, Ri Su Yong underscored the Workers’ Party and Government’s standpoint of treasuring the traditional friendship between the two countries as well as determination to reinforce the bilateral ties, which was founded and nurtured by President Kim Il-sung and President Ho Chi Minh, considering it as a valuable asset that need to be preserved and upheld.

He showed his confidence that Minh’s ongoing visit will make important contributions to promoting the time-honoured friendship and partnership between the two parties.

Ri Su Yong expressed his appreciation for the major achievements the Vietnamese people have gained during the cause of national construction and development and in elevating the country’s international standing. He expressed his hope to visit Vietnam in the time to come.
The same day, Deputy PM and FM Minh visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the DPRK.